Collar Straightening Device

ABSTRACT

A collar straightening device worn underneath the shirt collar that encircles the sides and back of the neck and is held in position by adjusting its length to exert force against both the top button and mating button hole of the shirt. The back section of the shirt collar also provides resistance against the device which when extended to adjustable positions holds the shirt collar in a straight and upright position. The ends of the device that grip that both the shirt button and button hole are fashioned to hold removable design elements that are decorative in nature, allowing the wearer to change different fashionable design elements as desired.

Provisional Patent Application # 61/650,405

BACKGROUND

A collar fastens around the neck of the person wearing a shirt, blouse, jacket or coat. Collars are typically made of a separate fabric (instead of simply folding a portion of the main body of the garment). Collars have traditionally been stiffened using starch to better frame the person's head in the shirt. By the latter part of the twentieth century, so called “wash-and-wear” collars became more commonplace for everyday wear. These collars are often stiffened using metal, or more commonly plastic, collar stays that are sewn into the collar itself. Buttons may also be used to affix corners of the shirt collar to the shirt. Other, more casual shirts do not include any collar stiffeners, and after several wears, may appear old and worn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example collar straightening device as the device may be used with a shirt collar.

FIG. 2 shows the example collar straightening device of FIG. 1, further illustrating interchangeable inserts with designs of logos.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the example collar straightening device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A collar straightening device is disclosed. The collar straightening device may be used to straighten a garment (e.g., shirt) collar. The collar straightening device may be worn around the neck and underneath the collar. Accordingly, the same collar straightening device may be worn with different shirts, regardless of whether the shirt has a “built-in” stiffener.

In an example, the collar straightening device includes of a band of spring steel, plastic or other material that encircles the sides and back of the neck area when worn. The band that encircles the sides and back of the neck area is adjustable for length. The ends of the collar straightening device may be made of metal, plastic or other material that align with the collar button and collar button hole. The ends of the collar straightening device may be secured against the collar button and opposing collar button hole.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or including at least.”

FIG. 1 shows an example collar straightening device as the device may be used with a shirt collar. In an example, the collar straightening device includes of a band of spring steel, plastic or other material that encircles the sides and back of the neck area when worn. The band that encircles the sides and back of the neck area may be adjustable for length (e.g., by one part sliding into another part of the band). In an example the parts slide together with a frictional fit so that the band does not come loose during wear. In another example, the parts may be secured together at the desired length.

The ends of the collar straightening device may be made of metal, plastic or other material that align with the collar button and collar button hole. The ends of the collar straightening device may be secured against the collar button and opposing collar button hole.

The ends of the collar straightening device may cover the collar button and collar button hole. The ends of the device may be shaped in round, oval, square or other configurations to cover the collar button and collar button hole. The ends of the collar straightening device may be spring loaded to apply force against the collar button and collar button hole. Spring loading the ends may also help maintain the collar straightening device in the desired position during movement (e.g., as the person wearing the device moves about during normal activity).

FIG. 2 shows the example collar straightening device of FIG. 1, further illustrating interchangeable inserts with designs or logos. FIG. 2A is a side view of the example collar straightening device of FIG. 1.

The ends of the device are designed to accept removable design elements, and can change inserts with designs or logos. The removable design elements are held to the ends of the device with magnets, snap-in buttons, or other temporary or permanent bonding agent.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated. 

1. A collar straightening device for a garment, comprising: a band encircling the sides and back of the neck area when worn with the garment; and ends aligning with a collar button and opposing collar button hole of the garment.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the band is adjustable for length.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the ends are configured to be secured against the collar button and opposing collar button hole of the garment.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the ends cover the collar button and collar button hole.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the ends are shaped in round, oval, square or other configurations to cover the collar button and collar button hole of the garment.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the ends are spring-loaded to apply force against the collar button and collar button hole of the garment.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the ends are configured accept removable design elements.
 8. The device of claim 1 further comprising interchangeable inserts with deigns or logos, the interchangeable inserts held to the ends. 